Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ???

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-24-2011, 07:10 PM

A Widespread Problem

For most people, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use--up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits) -- is not harmful for most adults. Nonetheless, a substantial number of people have serious trouble with their drinking.

Currently, nearly 14 million Americans--1 in every 13 adults--abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. In addition, approximately 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.

The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious--in many cases, life-threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). It can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes, recreational accidents, and on-the-job accidents and also increases the likelihood of homicide and suicide. In purely economic terms, alcohol-use problems cost society approximately $100 billion per year. In human terms, the costs are incalculable.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements:
Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Loss of control: The frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun.

Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.

Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get "high."
Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. But it has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol. This description of alcoholism helps us understand why most alcoholics can't just "use a little willpower" to stop drinking. He or she is frequently in the grip of a powerful craving for alcohol, a need that can feel as strong as the need for food or water. While some people are able to recover without help, the majority of alcoholic individuals need outside assistance to recover from their disease. With support and treatment, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.

Many people wonder: Why can some individuals use alcohol without problems, while others are utterly unable to control their drinking? Recent research supported by NIAAA has demonstrated that for many people, a vulnerability to alcoholism is inherited. Yet it is important to recognize that aspects of a person's environment, such as peer influences and the availability of alcohol, also are significant influences. Both inherited and environmental influences are called "risk factors." But risk is not destiny. Just because alcoholism tends to run in families doesn't mean that a child of an alcoholic parent will automatically develop alcoholism.

Alcoholism is a family disease and everyone who knows the alcoholic is negatively affected. For people who are married to or who are friends with an alcoholic, there is Al-Anon...

Many people understand the embarrassment and shame that come from the alcoholic's actions and words. There is also a great book called "Games Alcoholic's Play" that can be quite useful in making sense from the craziness. Families and friends shouldn't have to keep suffering.

: )

Jack Daw · 11-24-2011, 07:26 PM

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-24-2011, 07:50 PM

You might not Jack, but sadly many alcoholics are in denial and don't even admit their problem.

One in every 13th person is an alcoholic!

: (

SteveW17 · 11-24-2011, 09:54 PM

NO, but it is obvious this disease has had a profound affect on your life, and I am sorry for that...but I'd say the post is "off topic." What the hell does this have to do with banana culture??

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-24-2011, 10:01 PM

I rarely drink so your diagnosis is incorrect.

It's a social and family disease and information about it should be welcome anywhere.

Furthermore, there are lots of threads here that have nothing to do with bananas...odd you should just pick on this thread. Speaks for itself.

: )

harveyc · 11-25-2011, 01:06 AM

Fortunately, it's not a problem for me or anyone in my immediate family. My dad had many friends who had the problem and I saw or heard about how it affected their lives. I also used to work with some alcoholics and know of a few people who seem to have the problem.

These days I usually end up getting a headache before I come close to becoming drunk so my drinking is pretty limited. I'm on a streak of one drink yesterday and another today and I'll probably be dry for a day or two or three. Actually, I'm going to do some hard physical work tomorrow and I'll probably have a glass of pomegranate wine (Joe Real made it with some of my harvest from last year) to help me relax a little after working all day up on the rafters of my pole barn.

I met a distant relative a few years ago who immigrated from Madeira, Portugal. He told me how he would have a glass of brandy in the morning and a couple of beers when he got home and then a couple of glasses of homemade wine. He said he "didn't drink much". I'm not convinced he was an alcoholic, actually, as he seemed to be quite physical and work it off. He explained how in Madeira neighbors would gather together and dig up sweet potatoes (not what we call sweet potatoes here in the U.S.) and they would put a large bottle of wine a ways down the row and all have a drink when they got to that point and move it down the row for the next break. I doubt they were ever under the influence of alcohol as they were working it off as they went. They did a tremendous amount of physical work, all bare-footed. They had pasture many miles away and would go there for several days at a time to cut hay for their cows and would carry the hay home on their backs. One of my father's cousins there in Madeira was married to an alcoholic who didn't do much work and died when he fell off a cliff. I think the difference was the body using it as a source of energy or letting it have physical affects on the body. I'm no expert in the area but that's an idea I've got on the matter.

Oh, let's not let a long message go to waste by not getting all of my thoughts out (as if it were possible!). As a youth, it was a tradition that my father's family and the hired farm workers would drink homemade wine with "supper" (lunch) but my father would not drink it because he did not like it. His father often warned him that he would become an alcoholic later in life since he was not learning to drink alcohol properly. Maybe it was the challenge to my father, but he rarely ever drank.

Worm_Farmer · 11-25-2011, 11:00 AM

No, I'm not suffering what so ever.

I thought a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away.

Richard · 11-25-2011, 12:14 PM

An inebriated public is more gullible and hence for some businesses and politicians are better customers.

Jack Daw · 11-25-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hollyberry Lady

You might not Jack, but sadly many alcoholics are in denial and don't even admit their problem.

One in every 13th person is an alcoholic!

: (

1 in 9th here and I don't see it that tragically... Better chances for us non-alcoholics, who know our limits.

Richard · 11-25-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

1 in 9th here and I don't see it that tragically... Better chances for us non-alcoholics, who know our limits.

I agree Jack. In an over-populated world, the sober will fare much better than those who run on

heavy fuel

.

"Heavy Fuel", Mark Knopfler / Dire Straits

Last time I was sober, man I felt bad
Worst hangover that I ever had
It took six hamburgers and scotch all night
Nicotine for breakfast just to put me right

'Cause if you wanna run cool
If you wanna run cool
If you wanna run cool
You got to run on heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel

My life makes perfect sense
Lust and food and violence
Sex and money are my major kicks
Get me in a fight, I like the dirty tricks

'Cause if you wanna run cool
If you wanna run cool
If you wanna run cool
You got to run on heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel

My chick loves a man who's strong
The things she'll do to turn me on
I love the babes, don't get we wrong
Hey, that's why I wrote this song

I don't care if my liver is hanging by a thread
Don't care if my doctor says I ought to be dead
When my ugly big car won't climb this hill
I'll write a suicide note on a hundred dollar bill

'Cause if you wanna run cool
If you wanna run cool
Yes if you wanna run cool
You got to run on heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel

A heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel

Heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel
Heavy, heavy fuel

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-25-2011, 02:01 PM

20 Questions

1. Do you lose time from work due to your drinking?

2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?

5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

6. Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your drinking?

7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?

8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?

9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?

11. Do you want a drink the next morning?

12. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

15. Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles?

16. Do you drink alone?

17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your drinking?

18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?

19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?

20. Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have answered YES to any one of the questions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to any two, the chances are that you are an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic.

More info soon...

: )

harveyc · 11-25-2011, 03:20 PM

HBL, I don't agree with the scoring. I can definitely answer yes to #5 (though not for over 20 years) and yes to #16. If I had several drinks alone quite frequently, I'd agree with #16 being a big indicator. If I decide to have one drink by myself once in a while (once or twice a month), I don't believe that is any sort of indication whatsoever. What about someone who is single? I guess they could only be permitted to go out to a bar to have a drink or find some friend to invite over.

saltydad · 11-25-2011, 04:59 PM

I think a discussion on this topic is a good addition to the 'other topics' area. I drink so little as to be laughable. In summer I may have a beer a week, less the rest of the year. I like vodka gimlets on the rocks, and love 12 year old Jameson. But I'll have one maybe once a month. A friend gave me a bottle of Tullamore Dew, and I have only had one glass. I guess I'm a terrible Irishman. Wine gives me headaches, so while I like it, I tend to stay away for wine. I did am externship in nursing school with some AA groups, so I can really see the need for education in this area, especially at this time of the year. Good on you, HBL.

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-25-2011, 08:45 PM

Yes Howard, I have studied the topic extensively in my psychology courses and know much about it. Education and awareness are key to helping people understand the seriousness and fatalness of this disease. It destroys lives and rips families apart.

The biggest symptom of alcoholism is denial...i.e...elephant in the living room syndrome. The problem is there, but nobody talks about it. Just because no one addresses or discusses the issue though doesn't mean the problem has went away. It gets worse and never better.

There is help available and you are not alone. Families and friends of alcoholics should remember the four C's...I didn't Cause it, I can't Control it, I can't Cure it, but I can learn to Cope.

The surest way to drive an alcoholic deeper into drink, is well meant but ill-advised attempts to stop them. You need to save yourself...you can't save anyone else. That's their job. The best tool in dealing with an alcoholic is emotional and sometimes even physical detachment.

Adult children of alcoholics grew up following four rules in the alcoholic home..."Don't Talk, Don't Trust, Don't feel, and Don't wash the family's linens in public". Adult children of alcoholic's grow up to become an alcoholic, marry an alcoholic...or both. As adults, they keep trying to re-create in the present, what happened to them as children.

Adults who grew up with an alcoholic parent can attend a group called "Adult Children of Alcoholics" and find comfort and understanding with others who also grow up in and alcoholic home...

There is also a 12-step self-help program for teens, called Ala-teen. It's a group for teenagers who are growing up in alcoholic homes. Their motto is "We don't have it all together, but together we have it all". Teens can share their experience, strength, and hope, in a safe and caring environment. What is heard there, stays there...

: )

harveyc · 11-25-2011, 09:26 PM

So, you think I'm in denial, eh? Maybe 50 drinks a year for me, maybe slightly more than Howard. I really like a cold beer once in a while but a six pack will last me 3 months. Chocolate malts are what have really got me hooked but I control that pretty well also.

I do recognize alcoholism as a very serious problem in society. I think there were some tongue in cheek comments about it benefiting others but I think it costs all of society dearly.

My biggest regret in drinking too much is when I had gone with a co-worker to visit his uncle when on assignment out of town. I only found out after we were ready to leave that my friend expected me to drive us home!!!

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-25-2011, 09:35 PM

It's not my place, nor right, to judge or label someone as an alcoholic. I did not start this thread for any purpose other than to give some information. It is not in any way personal.

: )

harveyc · 11-25-2011, 09:41 PM

Just teasing, but I'd feel a lot better if you bought me that nice LED grow light for Christmas! LOL

harveyc · 11-25-2011, 09:46 PM

What is sort of funny (in a sad but fortunate sort of way), I had a relative who had a serious problem with meth but one day out of the blue decided to drink and got drunk and was involved in a non-injury hit and run accident (well, he did get injured when the cops tackled him as he tried to run away). He was convicted and required to go through an AA program. He chuckled about it later and said it would have been more effective if they made him go through NA but it did seem to help him with his problems and he's "clean" today, I believe. Sort of seems strange that they would require participation in an AA program when there was really no evidence of alcoholism. I guess they did what they thought was best for his apparent drinking problem.

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-25-2011, 10:06 PM

They obviously didn't know about your relative's meth problem but they knew he had some kind of substance problem. They were at least on the right track and did the best they could with the information they had.

It's like the old saying goes though..."You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".

Some people are cross-addicted...to both alcohol and drugs. These people usually attend both A.A. (Alcoholic's Anonymous) and N.A. (Narcotic's Anonymous) meetings.

: )

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-25-2011, 10:51 PM

Has Your Life Been Affected by Someone Else's Drinking?

Alateen is for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Sometimes the active drinking has stopped, or the active drinker may not live with you anymore. Even though the alcohol may be gone, and the alcoholic gone or recovering in AA, we are still affected. Many have received help from Alateen or Al-Anon. The following 20 questions are to help you decide whether or not Alateen is for you.

1. Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel?

2. Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending you don’t care?

3. Do you feel neglected, uncared for, or unloved?

4. Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking or what’s happening in your home?

5. Do you stay out of the house as much as possible because you hate it there?

6. Are you afraid or embarrassed to bring your friends home?

7. Has someone’s drinking upset you?

8. Are mealtimes, birthdays, and holidays spoiled because of drinking or others’ reactions to the drinking?

9. Are you afraid to speak up for fear the drinking or fighting will start again?

10. Do you think the drinker’s behavior is caused by you, other members of your family, friends, or rotten breaks in life?

11. Do you make threats such as, “If you don’t stop drinking and fighting, I’ll run away?”

12. Do you make promises about behavior, such as I’ll “get better grades,” or “keep my room clean,” or “do anything you want,” in exchange for a promise that the drinking and fighting will stop?

13. Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, she or he would stop drinking?

14. Do you ever threaten or actually hurt yourself to scare the drinker into saying, “I’m sorry,” or “I love you”?

15. Do you or your family have money problems because of someone else’s drinking?

16. Are you scared to ride in a car with the drinker?

17. Have you considered calling the police because of abusive behavior?

18. Do you avoid dating or having close friends because they may find out about the drinking or fighting?

19. Do you think your problems would be solved if the drinking stopped?

20. Do you ever treat teachers, friends, teammates, etc. unfairly because you are angry about someone else’s drinking?

If you have answered "Yes" to any of these questions, Alateen may help you. Contact Alateen in your community.

: )

11-24-2011, 07:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? A Widespread Problem For most people, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use--up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits) -- is not harmful for most adults. Nonetheless, a substantial number of people have serious trouble with their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans--1 in every 13 adults--abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. In addition, approximately 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem. The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious--in many cases, life-threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). It can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes, recreational accidents, and on-the-job accidents and also increases the likelihood of homicide and suicide. In purely economic terms, alcohol-use problems cost society approximately $100 billion per year. In human terms, the costs are incalculable. What Is Alcoholism? Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements: Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink. Loss of control: The frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun. Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug. Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get "high." Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. But it has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol. This description of alcoholism helps us understand why most alcoholics can't just "use a little willpower" to stop drinking. He or she is frequently in the grip of a powerful craving for alcohol, a need that can feel as strong as the need for food or water. While some people are able to recover without help, the majority of alcoholic individuals need outside assistance to recover from their disease. With support and treatment, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives. Many people wonder: Why can some individuals use alcohol without problems, while others are utterly unable to control their drinking? Recent research supported by NIAAA has demonstrated that for many people, a vulnerability to alcoholism is inherited. Yet it is important to recognize that aspects of a person's environment, such as peer influences and the availability of alcohol, also are significant influences. Both inherited and environmental influences are called "risk factors." But risk is not destiny. Just because alcoholism tends to run in families doesn't mean that a child of an alcoholic parent will automatically develop alcoholism. Alcoholism is a family disease and everyone who knows the alcoholic is negatively affected. For people who are married to or who are friends with an alcoholic, there is Al-Anon... Many people understand the embarrassment and shame that come from the alcoholic's actions and words. There is also a great book called "Games Alcoholic's Play" that can be quite useful in making sense from the craziness. Families and friends shouldn't have to keep suffering. : )

11-24-2011, 07:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jack Daw I think with my banana ;) Jack Daw's Photo Gallery Location: BA, SK, CEU Find me on the map! Zone: Dfa (Köppen-geiger) <-> 7b/8a? (USDA) Name: Jack Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 3,525 BananaBucks : 243,383 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,771 Times Was Thanked 2,461 Times in 1,355 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 383 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? No. __________________ Thnx to Marcel, Ante, Dr. Chiranjit Parmar and *Francesco* for the plants I've received. Zeitgeist - Corporatocracy 101 (~2hrs) Zeitgeist - Moving Forward (~2.5hrs)

11-24-2011, 07:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? You might not Jack, but sadly many alcoholics are in denial and don't even admit their problem. One in every 13th person is an alcoholic! : (

11-24-2011, 09:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
SteveW17 SteveW17's Photo Gallery Location: Maryville, TN Find me on the map! Zone: 7 Name: Steve Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 52 BananaBucks : 46,240 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 49 Times Was Thanked 22 Times in 11 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? NO, but it is obvious this disease has had a profound affect on your life, and I am sorry for that...but I'd say the post is "off topic." What the hell does this have to do with banana culture?? __________________

11-24-2011, 10:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? I rarely drink so your diagnosis is incorrect. It's a social and family disease and information about it should be welcome anywhere. Furthermore, there are lots of threads here that have nothing to do with bananas...odd you should just pick on this thread. Speaks for itself. : )

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11-25-2011, 01:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,125 BananaBucks : 425,234 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,041 Times Was Thanked 4,475 Times in 1,901 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? Fortunately, it's not a problem for me or anyone in my immediate family. My dad had many friends who had the problem and I saw or heard about how it affected their lives. I also used to work with some alcoholics and know of a few people who seem to have the problem. These days I usually end up getting a headache before I come close to becoming drunk so my drinking is pretty limited. I'm on a streak of one drink yesterday and another today and I'll probably be dry for a day or two or three. Actually, I'm going to do some hard physical work tomorrow and I'll probably have a glass of pomegranate wine (Joe Real made it with some of my harvest from last year) to help me relax a little after working all day up on the rafters of my pole barn. I met a distant relative a few years ago who immigrated from Madeira, Portugal. He told me how he would have a glass of brandy in the morning and a couple of beers when he got home and then a couple of glasses of homemade wine. He said he "didn't drink much". I'm not convinced he was an alcoholic, actually, as he seemed to be quite physical and work it off. He explained how in Madeira neighbors would gather together and dig up sweet potatoes (not what we call sweet potatoes here in the U.S.) and they would put a large bottle of wine a ways down the row and all have a drink when they got to that point and move it down the row for the next break. I doubt they were ever under the influence of alcohol as they were working it off as they went. They did a tremendous amount of physical work, all bare-footed. They had pasture many miles away and would go there for several days at a time to cut hay for their cows and would carry the hay home on their backs. One of my father's cousins there in Madeira was married to an alcoholic who didn't do much work and died when he fell off a cliff. I think the difference was the body using it as a source of energy or letting it have physical affects on the body. I'm no expert in the area but that's an idea I've got on the matter. Oh, let's not let a long message go to waste by not getting all of my thoughts out (as if it were possible!). As a youth, it was a tradition that my father's family and the hired farm workers would drink homemade wine with "supper" (lunch) but my father would not drink it because he did not like it. His father often warned him that he would become an alcoholic later in life since he was not learning to drink alcohol properly. Maybe it was the challenge to my father, but he rarely ever drank. __________________

11-25-2011, 11:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
Worm_Farmer Worm_Farmer 's Photo Gallery Location: Palm Bay, FL Zone: 9b Name: Mike Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,533 BananaBucks : 109,781 Feedback: 14 / 100% Said "Thanks" 5,326 Times Was Thanked 1,830 Times in 679 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,866 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? No, I'm not suffering what so ever. I thought a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away.

11-25-2011, 12:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 890,985 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? An inebriated public is more gullible and hence for some businesses and politicians are better customers. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

11-25-2011, 02:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? 20 Questions 1. Do you lose time from work due to your drinking? 2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy? 3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people? 4. Is drinking affecting your reputation? 5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking? 6. Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your drinking? 7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking? 8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare? 9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking? 10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily? 11. Do you want a drink the next morning? 12. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping? 13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking? 14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business? 15. Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles? 16. Do you drink alone? 17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your drinking? 18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking? 19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence? 20. Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have answered YES to any one of the questions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic. If you have answered YES to any two, the chances are that you are an alcoholic. If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic. More info soon... : )

11-25-2011, 03:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,125 BananaBucks : 425,234 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,041 Times Was Thanked 4,475 Times in 1,901 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? HBL, I don't agree with the scoring. I can definitely answer yes to #5 (though not for over 20 years) and yes to #16. If I had several drinks alone quite frequently, I'd agree with #16 being a big indicator. If I decide to have one drink by myself once in a while (once or twice a month), I don't believe that is any sort of indication whatsoever. What about someone who is single? I guess they could only be permitted to go out to a bar to have a drink or find some friend to invite over. __________________

11-25-2011, 04:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
saltydad saltydad's Photo Gallery Location: Silver Spring, Maryland USA Find me on the map! Zone: 7a Name: Howard Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4,552 BananaBucks : 277,680 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 14,712 Times Was Thanked 4,662 Times in 1,778 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 824 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? I think a discussion on this topic is a good addition to the 'other topics' area. I drink so little as to be laughable. In summer I may have a beer a week, less the rest of the year. I like vodka gimlets on the rocks, and love 12 year old Jameson. But I'll have one maybe once a month. A friend gave me a bottle of Tullamore Dew, and I have only had one glass. I guess I'm a terrible Irishman. Wine gives me headaches, so while I like it, I tend to stay away for wine. I did am externship in nursing school with some AA groups, so I can really see the need for education in this area, especially at this time of the year. Good on you, HBL. __________________ Men In Nursing- "A Few Good Men" "Gardening is the purest of human pleasures." - Francis Bacon "If by a liberal, they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind; someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions; someone who cares about the welfare of the people, their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, their civil liberties; someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicion that grips us; that is what they meant by a liberal, I am proud to be a liberal." John F. Kennedy, September, 1960 http://flickr.com/photos/saltydad/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/saltydad http://s751.photobucket.com/albums/xx151/saltydad/

11-25-2011, 08:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? Yes Howard, I have studied the topic extensively in my psychology courses and know much about it. Education and awareness are key to helping people understand the seriousness and fatalness of this disease. It destroys lives and rips families apart. The biggest symptom of alcoholism is denial...i.e...elephant in the living room syndrome. The problem is there, but nobody talks about it. Just because no one addresses or discusses the issue though doesn't mean the problem has went away. It gets worse and never better. There is help available and you are not alone. Families and friends of alcoholics should remember the four C's...I didn't Cause it, I can't Control it, I can't Cure it, but I can learn to Cope. The surest way to drive an alcoholic deeper into drink, is well meant but ill-advised attempts to stop them. You need to save yourself...you can't save anyone else. That's their job. The best tool in dealing with an alcoholic is emotional and sometimes even physical detachment. Adult children of alcoholics grew up following four rules in the alcoholic home..."Don't Talk, Don't Trust, Don't feel, and Don't wash the family's linens in public". Adult children of alcoholic's grow up to become an alcoholic, marry an alcoholic...or both. As adults, they keep trying to re-create in the present, what happened to them as children. Adults who grew up with an alcoholic parent can attend a group called "Adult Children of Alcoholics" and find comfort and understanding with others who also grow up in and alcoholic home... There is also a 12-step self-help program for teens, called Ala-teen. It's a group for teenagers who are growing up in alcoholic homes. Their motto is "We don't have it all together, but together we have it all". Teens can share their experience, strength, and hope, in a safe and caring environment. What is heard there, stays there... : )

11-25-2011, 09:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,125 BananaBucks : 425,234 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,041 Times Was Thanked 4,475 Times in 1,901 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? So, you think I'm in denial, eh? Maybe 50 drinks a year for me, maybe slightly more than Howard. I really like a cold beer once in a while but a six pack will last me 3 months. Chocolate malts are what have really got me hooked but I control that pretty well also. I do recognize alcoholism as a very serious problem in society. I think there were some tongue in cheek comments about it benefiting others but I think it costs all of society dearly. My biggest regret in drinking too much is when I had gone with a co-worker to visit his uncle when on assignment out of town. I only found out after we were ready to leave that my friend expected me to drive us home!!! __________________

11-25-2011, 09:35 PM	#16 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? It's not my place, nor right, to judge or label someone as an alcoholic. I did not start this thread for any purpose other than to give some information. It is not in any way personal. : )

11-25-2011, 09:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,125 BananaBucks : 425,234 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,041 Times Was Thanked 4,475 Times in 1,901 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? Just teasing, but I'd feel a lot better if you bought me that nice LED grow light for Christmas! LOL __________________

11-25-2011, 09:46 PM	#18 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,125 BananaBucks : 425,234 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,041 Times Was Thanked 4,475 Times in 1,901 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? What is sort of funny (in a sad but fortunate sort of way), I had a relative who had a serious problem with meth but one day out of the blue decided to drink and got drunk and was involved in a non-injury hit and run accident (well, he did get injured when the cops tackled him as he tried to run away). He was convicted and required to go through an AA program. He chuckled about it later and said it would have been more effective if they made him go through NA but it did seem to help him with his problems and he's "clean" today, I believe. Sort of seems strange that they would require participation in an AA program when there was really no evidence of alcoholism. I guess they did what they thought was best for his apparent drinking problem. __________________

11-25-2011, 10:06 PM	#19 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? They obviously didn't know about your relative's meth problem but they knew he had some kind of substance problem. They were at least on the right track and did the best they could with the information they had. It's like the old saying goes though..."You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". Some people are cross-addicted...to both alcohol and drugs. These people usually attend both A.A. (Alcoholic's Anonymous) and N.A. (Narcotic's Anonymous) meetings. : )

11-25-2011, 10:51 PM	#20 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,425,139 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Do YOU suffer from Alcoholism ??? Has Your Life Been Affected by Someone Else's Drinking? Alateen is for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Sometimes the active drinking has stopped, or the active drinker may not live with you anymore. Even though the alcohol may be gone, and the alcoholic gone or recovering in AA, we are still affected. Many have received help from Alateen or Al-Anon. The following 20 questions are to help you decide whether or not Alateen is for you. 1. Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel? 2. Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending you don’t care? 3. Do you feel neglected, uncared for, or unloved? 4. Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking or what’s happening in your home? 5. Do you stay out of the house as much as possible because you hate it there? 6. Are you afraid or embarrassed to bring your friends home? 7. Has someone’s drinking upset you? 8. Are mealtimes, birthdays, and holidays spoiled because of drinking or others’ reactions to the drinking? 9. Are you afraid to speak up for fear the drinking or fighting will start again? 10. Do you think the drinker’s behavior is caused by you, other members of your family, friends, or rotten breaks in life? 11. Do you make threats such as, “If you don’t stop drinking and fighting, I’ll run away?” 12. Do you make promises about behavior, such as I’ll “get better grades,” or “keep my room clean,” or “do anything you want,” in exchange for a promise that the drinking and fighting will stop? 13. Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, she or he would stop drinking? 14. Do you ever threaten or actually hurt yourself to scare the drinker into saying, “I’m sorry,” or “I love you”? 15. Do you or your family have money problems because of someone else’s drinking? 16. Are you scared to ride in a car with the drinker? 17. Have you considered calling the police because of abusive behavior? 18. Do you avoid dating or having close friends because they may find out about the drinking or fighting? 19. Do you think your problems would be solved if the drinking stopped? 20. Do you ever treat teachers, friends, teammates, etc. unfairly because you are angry about someone else’s drinking? If you have answered "Yes" to any of these questions, Alateen may help you. Contact Alateen in your community. : )

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